Advise needed regarding Mont-Bell warranty policy

[edge fritz]

I purchased a used Mont-Bell jacket last year that was a little beat up. It had several small tears, which I've repaired with seam seal, and was dirty around the cuffs. I washed the jacket according to instructions, and wasn't able to get all of the stain from the cuffs.

I am finding that this year it is no longer waterproof. The back of the jacket feels like paper, whereas the arms and front feel somewhat slick. In reading Mont-Bell's warranty policy, they only cover manufacturing defects. However, I have read where someone turned in a 13 year old jacket because the gore tex was de-laminating (If someone could describe this I'd appreciate it.), and Mont-Bell replaced the jacket with a similar current jacket, deeming the original was unrepairable.

Does anyone have any experience with Mont-Bell's return/repair service? Does it sound like I'm outta luck here?

I would also like some help identifying the jacket. It looks like a Thunderpass to me, but I haven't seen one on this color scheme. Year(s) of manufacture would help as well.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...t-bell002a.jpg

[RayBan]

I've purchased multiple items from the company and always found them super friendly and willing to do what they can to help out. I'd call them and see what they might be willing to do.

[edge fritz]

<a href="http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/edgefritz/?action=view&amp;current=mont-bell002a.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm34/edgefritz/mont-bell002a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[edge fritz]

Well, that didn't work.

[RedneckRye]

Stains are not a warranty issue. Spot cleaning them with a toothbrush and some Nikwax Tech-Wash may take care of some of them.

What did you use to wash the jacket? Regular detergent won't do much except leave residue that blocks the breathability of the waterproof membrane and may actually strip off the jackets DWR (durable water repellency - think the wax on your car that causes water to bead up and run off).
Nikwax or Granger brand products may help.

De-laminating is when the layers of the jacket come apart, the waterproof membrane separates or flakes off of the outer nylon.

Not sure what MontBell's obligation is to you if you bought the jacket second hand. Ethics come into play there somehow.

[edge fritz]

Yeah, I guess the proper question should be is it worth it to send it in for repair.